The Impact of GEAR UP Services on Appalachian Rural Students’ College-Going Aspirations and Math Achievement

• In Event: Saturday Roundtable Session 1:15 pm
  In Roundtable Session: College and Career Readiness (Table 1)

Abstract

This study aims to examine the impacts of GEAR UP (GU) program and services on rural students’ college-going aspirations and math achievement. We retrieved data from our Cohort 1 subjects who are currently ninth graders (N = 1,146). They started receiving our GU services when they were in seventh grade. Overall, the results indicate that the GU program may have a positive impact on rural youth. Our findings have several scholarly takeaways. Collectively, our GU services could help rural students explore their college-going pathways which could enhance their college-going aspirations and math achievement. Our findings also revealed that unique services such as tutoring and educational field trips could strengthen students’ college-going aspirations and math achievement.

Authors

• Jui-Teng Li, Appalachian State University

• Corinne Smith, Appalachian State University

• James Beeler, Appalachian State University

• Catherine Parks, Appalachian State University

• Hayden Laws, Appalachian State University